Glossary
Chain reaction
A self-sustaining series of nuclear fissions where neutrons released from one fission event cause further fission events in other atomic nuclei.
Example:
In a nuclear reactor, control rods are used to manage the chain reaction to prevent it from becoming uncontrolled and overheating.
Chernobyl
A catastrophic 1986 nuclear accident in Ukraine (then USSR) caused by a power surge that led to a reactor explosion, releasing massive amounts of radioactive material and causing widespread contamination.
Example:
The exclusion zone around Chernobyl remains largely uninhabitable decades after the devastating reactor explosion.
Control Rods
Components made of neutron-absorbing materials (like cadmium or boron) inserted into a nuclear reactor core to regulate the rate of fission and prevent a runaway chain reaction.
Example:
Operators can adjust the depth of the control rods within the reactor to slow down or speed up the nuclear fission process.
Fission
A nuclear reaction in which a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.
Example:
In a nuclear power plant, the controlled fission of uranium atoms generates the heat needed to produce steam.
Fukushima Daiichi
A 2011 nuclear accident in Japan, triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami, which caused a loss of power and cooling, leading to meltdowns and hydrogen explosions in multiple reactors.
Example:
The Fukushima Daiichi disaster demonstrated the vulnerability of nuclear power plants to natural disasters, even with advanced safety features.
Fusion
A nuclear reaction in which two or more light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy.
Example:
Scientists are working to replicate the fusion process that powers the sun, hoping to create a clean and virtually limitless energy source on Earth.
Non-Renewable (Nuclear Fuel)
A resource that exists in finite quantities and cannot be replenished on a human timescale, such as uranium used for nuclear energy.
Example:
Although nuclear power doesn't emit greenhouse gases, its reliance on non-renewable uranium means it's not a truly sustainable long-term energy solution.
Nuclear Accidents
Incidents at nuclear power plants that result in the release of radioactive materials or significant damage to the reactor core, posing risks to human health and the environment.
Example:
The history of nuclear accidents highlights the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and emergency preparedness in the nuclear industry.
Nuclear energy
Energy released from the nucleus of an atom, typically through nuclear fission or fusion, and harnessed to generate electricity.
Example:
Many countries are exploring nuclear energy as a way to reduce carbon emissions, despite concerns about waste disposal.
Plutonium
A radioactive metallic element, often produced as a byproduct in nuclear reactors, that can also be used as nuclear fuel or in weapons.
Example:
While uranium is the main fuel, some advanced reactors can use plutonium as a fuel source, which also helps reduce radioactive waste.
Radioactive waste
Hazardous byproduct materials from nuclear power generation or other nuclear processes that emit ionizing radiation and remain dangerous for thousands of years.
Example:
The safe, long-term disposal of radioactive waste is one of the most significant challenges facing the nuclear energy industry.
Thermal pollution
The degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature, often caused by the discharge of heated water from industrial processes like nuclear power plants.
Example:
Nuclear power plants often release heated water into nearby rivers or lakes, causing thermal pollution that can harm aquatic ecosystems.
Three Mile Island
A 1979 nuclear accident in Pennsylvania, USA, involving a partial meltdown of the reactor core due to a cooling malfunction, leading to a minor release of radioactive gas.
Example:
The Three Mile Island incident led to significant changes in nuclear power plant regulations and safety procedures in the United States.
Uranium (U-235)
A naturally occurring radioactive element, specifically the U-235 isotope, which is the primary fuel source used in nuclear fission reactors.
Example:
The rare isotope Uranium-235 is enriched from mined uranium ore to be used as fuel rods in nuclear power plants.